Miscellaneous reports and correspondence relating to Kuwait [‎33r] (65/87)

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arena with an amphitheatre of stony hills of the regular Summan nobby-
shape. These 2 wells contain ^ood water at a depth of 25 ha, or 150 ft-,
i.e., the same as Al*Gara'a to the N. W., which we passed on our march to
Buraidah.
Got off at about 11-35 a.m ., but went to the wells to water the horses and
sheep, of which 10 only remain of the flock of 20 presented to us by 'Abdul 7 Aziz
(Bin Sdud). Halted at 2-45 p.m . by another solitary sugar-loaf hill rising out
of the broad depression. Direction due north, marching in teeth of shimal
(north wind), with fine, cutting rain. Obliged to dismount from camel and
was so stiff could hardly walk. Walked last couple of miles into camp. Usual
dreary Summan scenery but valleys more open than on Kuwait-Zilfi route.
Vegetation poor (no nussi), light yellow sand. The sand on the Summan is
different altogether from that on the Nufudh, which is extremely fine and
pinkish in colour (in the distance orange). Thuuder in west. The Arabs say
about it that it means a seyl, or flood, at a distance of 2 days. In the summer
lightning like tljat is only 4 or 5 hours distant. Mahsin, the Imam's man,
told me to-day, apropos of my having fever, that Bin Saud was a great doctor.
I said " How did he heal ?" He said *' By siyasah ; but it was a wonderful thing
Am feeling travel-weary; hence the fever I think. I left Kuwait July 30th
for India, rushed about for a month, and then returned via Basrah and Baghdad
to Kuwait, whence I started on this journey. Have been 5 months on the
run.
16th December, —Marched at 7-5 a. m ., and with f hour
Distance—82 hours, 5 minute?, miles. interval for breakfast, until 4-30 p. M.
remp. 55 8 , Bar. 2,100. 12-45 p.m . came in sight of high range
like Tuwaiq right across running E. and W. Beneath this is a long shaib,
said to be 2 days' journey long, called Shaiyith ( ajju ^ ). We crossed
this and ascended a pass over the range, the second rise of which must be 400
ft. above the shaih level. On top we found a bare, open plain sloping northwards.
This was at 2-15 p.m . Camped in narrow watercourse valley, with plenty
of camel stuff and coarse grass. Both ponies tucked up from want of
sufficient food. Arabs say they do not dream of taking horses across the
country at this time of the year. Eaining heavily at sundown. Still seedy, my
head going round ; took quinine and Dover's powder.
At 11-15 we had passed Salubi tents on our left close to a hill called
Hasaniyah (fox-lands), or Um al Hasani, but otherwise saw no signs of
Arabs.
17th December. —Marched at 7-1.) a.m ., and with -^-hour interval.
Distance—88 hours, 55 minutes, miles. until 2-35 P. M. We came in sight of
Temp. 54°, Kar. 2,125'. Arabs at p M S0nt 3 men on for
news. These returned saying they were Kxwtivi fidawiyah and 'Ajman. Sent
again from camp to tell them I would start for their encampment in the
morning.
Nice, sunny day, but find riding hard with this fever on me. Am pressing
on to get to water at Subaihiyah where I shall rest and try to shake it off"
My head and bones feel broken.
18th Marched at 7-55 a. m . and reached camp of Kuwait
Distance—91 honr., 46 minnte., mta. f??, aild the 'Ajman at 10-45 A. M. After
display of horsemanship had breakfast
with Shaikh Adhaij and various members of the Ibn Sabah family. Present
also Dhaidan and other Shaikhs of the 'Ajman.
Very ill ; sent to Kuwait for medical assistance.
19th December. —The 'Ajman had display in front of my tent. I was
propped up in bed vomitting all the time; saw nothing and cared nothing.
Sultan ibn Hithlain of the 'Ajman came. Gave him 200 dollars as present.
20th % 21st, and 22nd December. —Sick.
23rd December. —Fever left me.
Distance— 96 hours, 15 minutes, miles.
Daylight—Temy. (F.>45 0 , Bar. 2,050'.
24th December. —Marched at 9-15 a.m.
At 1-45 p.m . met Dr. Mylrea, of Arabian
Mission, camped.